Hetch Hetchy Reservoir - Yosemite, CA

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, located in a remote section of Yosemite National Park, offers a rare and highly regulated trout fishing opportunity amid spectacular Sierra Nevada scenery. The reservoir serves as a primary water source for San Francisco, so recreational use is limited—boating, wading, and swimming are strictly prohibited. As a result, all fishing must be conducted from shore, with access primarily limited to hikers on designated trails.

Despite these restrictions, Hetch Hetchy supports a naturally sustaining population of wild rainbow and brown trout. Anglers can expect moderate success casting spinners or fly fishing with nymphs and streamers from accessible shoreline points, particularly near the O’Shaughnessy Dam and along the Wapama Falls Trail. Most trout are in the 10–16 inch range, though larger fish are occasionally caught.

Fishing is typically best in spring and fall, when trout cruise closer to shore and water temperatures remain cool. The clarity of the lake allows for visual fishing in shallow zones, though steep terrain often limits casting angles. The season runs from the last Saturday in April through mid-November.

Anglers should plan ahead, pack light, and observe all park regulations. For self-reliant anglers seeking wild trout in a truly remote setting, Hetch Hetchy delivers an unmatched Yosemite backcountry experience.